HISTORIC Hagley Hall is set to open its spectacular grounds to visitors later this month to help raise funds for Mary Stevens Hospice.

Visitors will be given exclusive access to the refurbished waterfall and parkland which doesn't officially open to the public until next year.

The walk in the park event will take place on Sunday, July 29 from 11am until 4pm and the Hospice are hoping for a huge turnout.

Long time Hospice supporter Sue Williams is organising the event, she said: "The grounds are simply stunning with their waterfalls, streams and springs. It's a wonderful opportunity for people to see all the refurbished work that has taken place. "The walk itself takes around one and a half hours. It does have a slight slope, but it's well worth the effort."

Tickets to take part in the walk cost just £5 for adults while children who are 15 and under are admitted free.

However, dogs will not be allowed in, owing to the deer.

There will be a barbecue on offer to walkers but organisers are also encouraging people to bring picnics which they can enjoy in front of the imposing backdrop of Hagley Hall.

Owner Lord Cobham agreed to open his grounds for this one-off event after attending one of Sue's literary dinners which she stages on a regular basis at The Granary Hotel on behalf of the hospice.

Over the years, Sue has enticed celebrities such as Bob Champion, Edwina Curry and calendar girl Trisha Stewart to speak at the events.

She will be staging her next event at the Granary on October 11 when Dr Norman Croucher OBE will be the guest speaker.

Although Dr Croucher is a double amputee, it hasn't stopped him climbing some of the biggest mountains in the world.

Tickets for the dinner cost £30 and are available from Sue Williams by contacting her on 01562 883834.

Sue added: "I've been involved with Mary Stevens Hospice right from the very start. I've seen good friends admitted and I've witnessed at first hand all the great work they do, that I just lost my heart to the place".